Maine Hindus find place of worship in Westbrook

WESTBROOK, Maine (AP) — The growing Hindu community in Greater Portland is transforming an old Westbrook church into a Hindu temple, the first of its kind in Maine.

Deven Bhatt, president of Maine Hindu Temple, says the purchase of the former Unitarian Universalist Church fulfills a hope of Hindus living in Maine for decades. In the past, the community has practiced its faith in private homes, or rented churches or schools.

The Maine Sunday Telegram says the number of Hindus is small but growing.

Sandeep Gandra, secretary for Maine Hindu Temple, tells the newspaper that there are as many as 2,000 Hindus living in the state.

Last year, a restaurant owner opened a temple in Scarborough. But Bhatt says the community wanted a temple that isn't owned by any one person.